My first knowledge of Gien, was by a gift of dessert plates given to us by my dad and step mom. They gave us two of the lemon plates and two kiwi plates(not pictured). They also gave us the long tray with the bird on it.
When we took our first trip to France back in 1993, we traveled to the village of Gien, and went to the factory there. It was combined with a small museum and then the factory store that you can purchase their seconds or discontinued patterns. Gien is not cheap, so most of the pieces above, are from the seconds factory. The heart cup I bought back in 1993, the sweet pea cup and the other over sized one above it were purchased when we went back in 2003 while living in France. The demi tasse with the heron on it was purchased in a gift shop in St. Malo in Normandy. We also decided when we visited the factory to add more dessert plates, so we purchased the black berries and cherry plates. I really love most of their patterns, and treasure the collection that we have. If you ever travel to France and happen to be around Gien go to the factory, you will not be disappointed.
Those are GORGEOUS! The white and blue with the fruit are my favorite. Ooh, and the second to the last cup and saucer too...wrap them up, I'll take them too! LOL!
ReplyDeleteThose are so pretty! I love the one with the lemons on it. What great memories, and a wonderful thing to collect, too :o)
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely collection you have there. I particularly like the cup and saucer with sweet peas.
ReplyDeleteThese dishes are too pretty to eat from-the food would block the design. I have seen this brand before & agree that you are very fortunate to have so many beauties. Nerm
ReplyDeleteDelightful post! I only recently learned about Gien when I saw their advertisement in a French magazine for their new pattern, "Tulipes Noires." What original, beautiful patterns!
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